The face of the world is constantly changing. New territory is always being fought over, and much old land is still left unclaimed. Discovery has long since faded away, and now the field is ripe with empires, and strong alliances: all bound by honour. As much as the political fields change, so do the armaments and technology of nations. Many governments have attempted to focus on one form of warfare above others, whilst some have balanced all. Others find no need for war, and only intend to procure peace throughout their dealings.
Throughout the world there are only four races that occupy any amount of land, and they are all unique in their own way. The Imperials, a race of rather plain description, with a hearty amount of stamina and an all around set of skills, they usually occupy the middle class jobs and live to the eightieth year of life. The Eldar, a race of handsome and beautiful men and women, all of whom live longer than Imperials. Not as strong as their supposed-sister race, the Eldar make up for this by being incredibly agile and usually living to an age of one hundred and ten. The Dwemer, a race of short and stout craftsmen and inventors, renowned for their amazing works of architecture and science. Dwemer are stronger than Imperials, but usually only live to the seventieth year. Finally, the Orkkin, a race of tall, discoloured, and horned brutes. Not the sharpest tools in the shed, the Orkkin only live to the fiftieth year most of the time, but live their lives with an incredible strength completely unmatched by any other race.
Religion is all across the world, sometimes replaced by theology and science. Shiinism seems to be the religion of the world, owing to their followers numbering in the hundreds of thousands. It is most spread in the holy land of Asia, however, and does not reach far outside of the Grustonian Commonwealth. Other religions dominate their respective territories, with the lingering traces of Orthodox Christianity taking root in the western world thanks to the former Salitov Empire. Some nations are totally lacking in faith, and instead put their trust in the grip of science; however they are usually less kind than other nations.
Trade is rife amongst the lands and the seas are abound with both commerce and careful patrolling. Grustan and its commonwealth dominate the Pacific and Indian seas, whereas the European waters are congested. The Atlantic is shared by both Grustan and Les Habitants, who contest with the colonies of other nations for trade opportunity. Tensions run high every now and then, especially between Salitov and nations occupying their former empire. The N.S.F. and Morskiej look ready to explode upon one another, and the central European powers are yet to make their move. It feels as if, perhaps, something looms over the horizon.
It is the year 1905. Great steel warships cut swathes through the hurling oceans, men grow up to become potential cannon fodder for prestigious armies; and ever closer does the impending clash loom. Peace breeds only war, and war breeds nothing but peace. Now, amongst the growing political tension, Grustan has come forwards and called for a meeting of sorts. Aptly naming this the ‘World Fair’, it is a chance for nations to come forward and state their intentions in the new age.
At the very least, it will be a show of character.
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Linquett.
A city of the gods if ever seen, and certainly in the eyes of the devout Shiinist. The High Palace of Accendo towers above all in the far distance, owing to its sheer size and might for such a feat. Here, in the Grustonian territory of Corterra, outsiders find themselves not only welcomed, but also the subjects of national curiosity. Picturesque scenes paint themselves in every street, with beautiful Eldar women on near-every arm, and well dressed men drinking finely chilled beverages. Painters can be seen every so often, putting to canvas a man and a woman, or two, or five.
Having arrived for the World Fair, foreigners will find their places set up in fine order. Set before the High Palace and somewhat surrounded by the red brick and marble of the city, a humongous parade ground sits in waiting. For now, the grounds are mostly sparse, with few comings and goings. Areas have been designated for each attending nation in an octagonal fashion, reaching outwards as to allow many showcases. Amongst them all sits a large stand, being set up by numerous men and women in the bright daylight. The air is humid and pleasant, and even this far into the city, the smell of sea salt and sound of waves can be heard, albeit barely.
The grounds around the prepared area are in a fine state, and numerous fountains spray water that dances in the light. Nations wishing to join the parade set to take place have no doubt begun getting their men ready, waiting for the festivities to start, and the Grustonian's to begin the parade. In the harbour sit ships of many types and sizes, the object of interest for both citizens and foreigners. Somewhere off in the distance the sounds of song and dance can be heard, and up above the marble palace shines in the light.
Eager to get to work and show their pride well, the foreign workers no doubt set about preparing a stall worthy of merit.
Within the middle of the parade grounds, the Grustonian workers were much too busy to notice their visitors. The Emperor himself would be attending the Fair, and hosting the stall for Grustan. Not only that, but he would also be joined by the Duchess Cordellia, who recently reformed the Exteriterra. Alongside them would be numerous works of art, samples of famous wines, a hosting of Grustonian naval pieces on display, topped off by performances from servants.
Servants would be dancing for the pleasure of foreign and fellow peoples well into the night, dressed in a matching series of rather erotic outfits. Currently, however, they were seated near the edge of the parade grounds, enjoying their free time with a host of drinks and pastries. Several soldiers were standing nearby, as they would be all throughout the city, but these men were less outfitted. Dressed in finery and equipped with extravagant guns that were more for show than shooting, they were content to chat up one of the nearby servant girls.
Amongst the workers and seemingly about to explode, an Orrkin foreman by the name of Kur'lash was arguing with a Dwemer architect. Kur'lash was very intelligent for a member of his kind, and was foreman because of this, but he certainly was not of a mellow temper. "Why would we require extra supports for the stage? Are you a fool, Altgräfin Bursk? We are all very much honoured by your attendance, and in awe of your genius, but the supports will do naught but obscure the servants!"
"You are intelligent for a ripskin but it leaves you lacking," Bursk scoffed with amusement. "The supports are very much needed, unless you would prefer our guests and girls crushed by the décor?" Motioning to the stage being set up with a dismissive grunt, the finely dressed Dwemer looked up at the foreman unintimidated. "By the time I was appointed to this project, I could not alter the plans. Your stage is lovely, and the girls have worked hard, but whomever designed the blasted thing was dumber than you!" Ending on a high note, the stout man resorted to stroking his beard. "It will not last three hours, let alone ten or more. I suggest you install the beams and re-allocate four or so of the girls to entertaining the guests." He smiled. "I'm sure they'd be fine with a pretty woman or two besides them."
Bellowing laugher in the Dwemer's face, Kur'lash beat his chest slightly. "Sou ka, yes, I see your point. I was skeptical of the designs, but did not want to alter them, for fear of ruining the work. Surely, no guest will object to the sultry girls being close rather than far." The purple skinned giant looked over at the servants briefly, before smiling. "Subarashii. Where did you want to place the supports again? Would you show me, please?"
It would be a short while before the fair, and a long while during; but the work would no doubt pay off. It was a chance to usher in the new age, and show off the technological and cultural advancements made since the last. Surely, it would be an opportunity not wasted by any man.
...Lest he doom his fellows.